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01-06-2021 | Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Original Article

The influence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on oral and maxillofacial surgery: a nationwide survey among 54 hospitals and 240 private practices in Germany

Authors: Andreas Pabst, Alexander–N. Zeller, Robert Sader, Jörg-Ulf Wiegner, Matthias Schneider, Michael Ehrenfeld, Jürgen Hoffmann

Published in: Clinical Oral Investigations | Issue 6/2021

Abstract

Objective

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has created hitherto unknown challenges for healthcare systems and patient care. This study aimed to analyze its influence on patient care and healthcare management in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) in Germany.

Materials and methods

A nationwide survey of the German Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery was performed. Individual questionnaires containing 10 questions for university as well as non-university hospitals and 15 questions for private practices (PPs) for OMFS were created to collect data for patient numbers and surgical procedures conducted, usage of personal protection equipment (PPE), SARS-CoV-2 tests, and economic aspects.

Results

Fifty-four hospitals and 240 PPs participated in the study. The reduction in ward capacities and number of surgical procedures ranged from 17 to 78%. PPE consisted of standard surgical masks (58% hospitals, 64% PPs) and FFP2/N95/KN95 respirators (45% hospitals, 48% PPs). Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 tests were more frequently performed in hospitals (34% vs 2%). At PPs, turnover for medical and dental procedures billed to the public insurance had reduced to 58.81% and 62.43%, respectively, of the corresponding values for 2019, and 58.75% of the PPs had applied for short-time allowances.

Conclusion

With the exception of some elective procedures, primary patient care in OMFS has been assured during the pandemic. However, the immense economic burden on hospitals and PPs cannot be conclusively assessed at this point.

Clinical relevance

For OMFS, the German healthcare system has shown the ability to adapt to emergency situations such as the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Adequate surgical capacities in OMFS are necessary even during pandemics.

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Title: The influence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on oral and maxillofacial surgery: a nationwide survey among 54 hospitals and 240 private practices in Germany
Authors: Andreas Pabst
Alexander–N. Zeller
Robert Sader
Jörg-Ulf Wiegner
Matthias Schneider
Michael Ehrenfeld
Jürgen Hoffmann
Publication date: 01-06-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus
SARS-CoV-2
Care
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Published in: Clinical Oral Investigations / Issue 6/2021
Print ISSN: 1432-6981
Electronic ISSN: 1436-3771
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-020-03715-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The influence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on oral and maxillofacial surgery: a nationwide survey among 54 hospitals and 240 private practices in Germany

Abstract

Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

Clinical relevance

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

Clinical relevance

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